Portulacaria afra

Elephant Bush

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Hardy succulent shrub with small fleshy oval leaves and red stems; popular for bonsai or indoor topiary.
yard Succulents plants wb_sunny Half-shade / Sun pets Not pet-safe
info Pot sizes shown are estimations. Real dimensions may vary depending on the merchant.
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $14.95 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $15.99 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $19.99 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $19.99 Buy
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 4-5 in In Stock $19.99 Buy
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 7-8 in In Stock $23.79 Buy
info

Plant Details

Common Name Elephant Bush
Family Portulacaceae
Genus Portulacaria
Species Afra
Origin South Africa
Blooming Rarely blooms indoors; small pink/white flowers in summer outdoors.
Leaf Color Glossy green to reddish-brown on stems
Sunlight Half-shade / Sun
Category Succulents plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with coarse sand and perlite.

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Watering

Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce significantly in winter dormancy.

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Sunlight & Care

Bright direct to indirect light; requires strong sun for compact growth and stem coloration.

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Fertilization

Diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (Spring/Summer); avoid in winter.

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Pruning

Pinch tips regularly to encourage bushiness; prune leggy stems anytime for shape.

Pest Control Aphid Mealybug Scale Insect

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 3 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
50° – 90°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
20% – 65%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
700 – 16000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
1200 – 3500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
water
Soil Moisture
10% – 40%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
350 – 1800
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

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